For previous weekly columns, please see the bulletins listing.
Year of Faith Bible Study
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May 16, 2021
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Birthday, Father Tim! Also, see the web site https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/41398 for info on today’s 2021 World Communications Day, and remember that today is also the annual Diocesan Missions Sunday when we support with our prayers and special envelope offerings those from our own diocese (especially our Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of St. Joseph) who take the Gospel message to foreign shores. This afternoon, Adult Faith Formation will have a showing of the movie “Fatima” at 1:30 P.M. in St. Ambrose Church.
Monday, we wish a Blessed Shavuot to our Jewish neighbors. This is the celebration that gives thanks to God for the Torah which was given to them to act as a guide for their lives. It is on this day that Jews go to the synagogue to hear the 10 Commandments, have festive meals of dairy foods, and stay up all night to learn and read the Book of Ruth.
Tuesday is the feast of Pope St. John I. He was the one who figured out when Easter should be celebrated. He was martyred in 526 A.D. Pope St. John Paul II was born on this date 101 years ago today. Here in the parish, our final School Council meeting for this academic year takes place at 3:30 P.M. This evening, our Social Ministry Committee meets at 6:30 P.M. in the Father Edward Zimmer Peace Garden at St. John the Evangelist. At 7:00 P.M., the Knights of Columbus meet in the Resource Room on the 2nd floor of St. James School and the Ladies Auxiliary meet in the hall at St. James Church. I must say, the Knights and the Auxiliary accomplish so much for the good of our parish and our school, year in and year out. They are each groups that provide opportunities to gather for prayer and socializing, and also for supporting parish and school with their socials, their projects, and their working together in so many ways. As we enter summer and continue to become more post-pandemically active, I encourage all parishioners of any age to consider becoming a Knight or Auxiliary member. You’ll be happy and fulfilled in so many ways!
Wednesday, is the 175th anniversary of the passing of Robert B. Thomas who founded The Old Farmer’s Almanac (source of much of my astronomical “expertise”). Here in the parish, the Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 P.M. at St. James, a Holy Hour will then follow at St. James at 7:00 P.M., and the St. John’s Choir practices by Zoom at 7:30 P.M.
Thursday, Cher turns 75. Many remember her comedy routines on TV decades ago, and a few years ago a friend of mine and I were able to catch one of her shows out West: it is utterly amazing the stamina she has to go non-stop for that several-hour experience over and over again. I suspect it was very much like the saint of today, St. Bernardine of Siena, who in the year 1400 in the midst of a pandemic plague showed up at the largest hospital in Siena with several companions to help—day and night—in the care of the patients. God bless each expenditure of energy of ourselves for God and for those in need!
Friday is World Day for Cultural Diversity. Check it out online at https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-day-for-cultural-diversity-may-21/.
Saturday is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the first permanent IMAX theater, and it was right across the lake in Toronto, Ontario! Today is also a Young Adult Retreat (9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Mass) at St. Hyacinth Church in Auburn. The $10 fee includes lunch. For info and to register, go to https://www.stmaryauburn.org.
Next Sunday (Welcome Weekend) is Pentecost or Whit Sunday. New Pastoral Council members will be selected for 3-year terms. Peace to all!
—Father Schrader